Hyundai revealed the first teaser picture and the name of a new compact car they will build in Brazil, for Brazil. It seems they are following the footsteps of Volkswagen to expand their global business. As is the case with these domestic models, the HB20 will probably go on sale in other emerging markets as well. The car appears to be a Brazilian version of the i30.
The HB20 will go into production in September at the plant in Piracicaba, in the outskirt of Sao Paulo. This is Hyundai’s first production facility in the country, and will begin its business producing three versions of the HB20, including a hatchback, a sedan and an SUV-looking (crossover) version, which will arrive in the market during 2013.
Engine-wise the cars will be powered by 1.0 flex fuel and 1.6 flex fuel versions, with automatic transmission optional for the 1.6 version. The HB20 could be Hyundai’s VW Gol.
Facts about Hyundai’s Brazilian plant:
The plant is 69,000 m2 in size and sits on an area of 1.4 million m2. Brazil is the seventh country to receive a Hyundai manufacturing plant outside of Korea. The investment was USD $600 million. Hyundai Motor Brazil already has more than 1,000 Brazilian employees. By 2013, that number will increase to 2,000. Besides these jobs, the plant installation will provide more 3,000 opportunities for suppliers near the plant, and create another 20,000 indirect job